TAWARA

require workers with STEM skills. To be competitive, the Tawaran workforce

SCHOOLS STEM
connect and interact each day. STEM empowers those people with the skills to
succeed and adapt to the changing world.
INTEGRATED STEM FOR ALL

DEVELOPMENT While science subjects have been viewed in many places as the ones most
suited to boys, the gender gap is narrowing as girls are encouraged to develop
their interest and skills in the STEM subjects. This does not mean that girls are
Innovations in Science Education channelled into the natural sciences while boys take up the majority of
computer science or physics/maths routes. The STEM subjects are for all and
WHAT ARE THE STEM SUBJECTS? may develop some of these broader skills:

The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and  working in teams
Mathematics. These subjects have always been a part of the educational  logical thought
curriculum; so, what is different about the STEM approach? Instead of  critical thinking
studying each “subject” in isolation, the STEM curriculum seeks to integrate  problem solving
learning across these areas through, for example, project work and teamwork  project management
in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.  developing own solutions.
This style of learning focusses on higher level thinking rather than on tests and
STEM is a growing movement in education around the world. STEM-based memorisation. These skills will help them to succeed in any field, even if they
learning programmes are intended to increase students' interest in pursuing do not pursue a career directly in a STEM field of work.
higher education and careers in those fields. STEM education typically uses a
newer model of blended learning that combines traditional classroom teaching WHY IS STEM SO IMPORTANT?
with online learning and hands-on activities. This model aims to give students
the opportunity to experience different ways of learning and problem-solving. Another reason why STEM is important is thanks to emerging opportunities in
organisations and industry which address the lack of ethnic and gender
WHY IS A STEM APPROACH TO LEARNING diversity. Events such as the Robogals Conference, hosted earlier this year at
IMPORTANT? the University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls into
engineering.
The focus on the STEM subjects in the curriculum does not exclude the arts
and creative subjects because the modern world also expects learners to have ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO TAKE STEM
broad skills and be “well rounded” characters. However, there are increasing SUBJECTS
requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in their
workforce and many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced by The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an
machines or AI. Currently 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries integrated approach to the curriculum is well established. It is noticed that

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girls’ perception of STEM subjects may begin to change about year 5 or 6. In the UK, less than 10 percent of women make up the engineering workforce,
They begin to lose confidence or think that STEM is something that only boys while in the US, only around a quarter of those in STEM occupations are
do well. This perception may continue throughout school and into higher women. Similar statistics are reported across the world in male-dominated
studies or career choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and industries such as engineering and technology.
misconceptions in society about what girls do and do not do well. This could
not be further from the truth.
Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging those myths
change? The answer seems to be yes – but gradually. Helping to
and misconceptions. We plan to raise the participation of girls in the core
speed up the process are various organisations offering
STEM subjects to realise the potential of all our pupils.
scholarships for women preparing for careers in male-dominated
Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects industries. Often, the funding is accompanied by additional support, including
mentorship and special events or workshops.
Subject Girls (% of year group) Boys (% of year group)
Maths 50 90 As the world of work develops, there are few career fields that will not require
Physics 10 80 some interaction with digital processes either directly or indirectly. It is vital
Biology 50 40 that everyone prepares for this new world of work, whether through a
Chemistry 10 80 familiarity with ICT or more specialised subjects such as computer science and
Design Technology 15 45 the use of technology in a vast range of study subjects. No one should get left
Computer Science 5 75 out through lack of choice or opportunity.
ICT 90 25 MOVING INTO WORK OR HIGHER
EDUCATION
We show them that their participation and success in STEM can help them to
change the world. The broad, integrated approach to learning provided through a STEM
curriculum will prepare young people for many paths in life. These may
While girls appear to think they are less good at maths than boys, their include apprenticeships giving practical, on-the-job learning and skills
performance in year 9 is shown to be as good as, if not better, than boys. It is a development. Alternatively, there are many routes through higher education in
matter of perception and confidence that needs to be boosted. the vast range of subjects open for study at undergraduate or post graduate
There are more and more examples of women excelling in scientific life today; levels. Look them up – you may be amazed at the career paths you could
in astronomy and space exploration, in molecular research and medical choose.
science. Your students can research some of these distinguished female
scientists. They may also study women working in everyday science related
roles.
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DIGITAL WORLD OF
WORK

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